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Abstract:

A method and apparatus for producing a result digital image from a
selection of a plurality of original digital images. The apparatus
comprising: a remote computing device having an image management module,
the remote computing device being coupleable to a data network, the image
management module accesses a plurality of original digital images and
generates a respective plurality of preview digital images, each preview
digital images having a smaller data size than the respective original
digital image; a remote database server for storing the respective
preview digital image, each of the plurality of preview digital images
being associated with a job record; a remote user interface server for
presenting a user interface indicative of the job record and enabling
viewing of the plurality of preview digital images; wherein the user
interface enables selection of one or more preview digital images, and
causes the respective one or more original digital images to be
transferred from the remote computing device for production of the result
digital image.

Claims:

1. An apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of
a plurality of original digital images, the apparatus comprising: a
remote computing device having an image management module, the remote
computing device being coupleable to a data network, the image management
module accesses a plurality of original digital images and generates a
respective plurality of preview digital images, each preview digital
images having a smaller data size than the respective original digital
image; a remote database server for storing the respective preview
digital image, each of the plurality of preview digital images being
associated with a job record; a remote user interface server for
presenting a user interface indicative of the job record and enabling
viewing of the plurality of preview digital images; wherein the user
interface enables selection of one or more preview digital images, and
causes the respective one or more original digital images to be
transferred from the remote computing device for production of the result
digital image.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the respectively
selected one or more original digital images are automatically
transferred from the remote computing device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the respectively selected
one or more original digital images are transferred across the data
network to a remote photo editing studio device that produces the result
digital image.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of
original digital images are raw digital images generated by a digital
camera.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the respectively selected
one or more original digital images are directly copied from the remote
computing device to the remote photo editing studio device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein only the respectively
selected one or more original digital images are automatically
transferred from the remote computing device.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the respectively selected
one or more original digital images are first copied to the remote
database server and then directly copied to the studio local store.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more original
digital images are high resolution digital images.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of
original digital images are raw digital images generated by a digital
camera.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote computing
device is wirelessly coupled to the data network.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a remote server device
has the remote database server and the remote user interface server.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remote computing
device has the remote database server and the remote user interface
server.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
original digital images are raw digital images generated by a digital
camera.

13. A method implemented on a computing apparatus for producing a result
digital image from a selection of a plurality of original digital images,
the method including the steps of: obtaining and storing the plurality of
original digital images on a remote computing device; associating the
original digital images with a job record; generating a preview digital
image for each original digital image; each preview digital images having
a smaller data size than the respective original digital image; storing
each preview digital image; associating each preview digital image with
the job record; receiving a selection of one or more preview digital
images for the purpose of requesting respectively selected one or more
original digital images; and providing each respectively selected one or
more original digital images for storage on a data store accessible by a
remote image-edit studio device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the one or more original
digital images are high resolution digital images.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of
original digital images are raw digital images generated by a digital
camera.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein only the respectively
selected one or more original digital images are automatically
transferred from the remote computing device.

17. A user access interface for a processor device, the processor device
being coupleable to database having a job record associated with a
plurality of preview digital images, the preview digital images being
associated with a respective original digital image stored on a remote
computing device, the processor device being adapted to present the
plurality of preview digital images, the interface comprising: a control
program adapted to enable selection of one or more preview digital images
for enabling receipt of respectively selected one or more original
digital images; and storing each of the respectively selected one or more
original digital images on a data store accessible by an image-edit
studio.

18. The interface according to claim 17, wherein the one or more original
digital images are high resolution digital images.

19. The interface according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of
original digital images are raw digital images generated by a digital
camera.

20. The interface according to claim 19, wherein only the respectively
selected one or more original digital images are automatically
transferred from the remote computing device.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to digital image production and in
particular to producing a digital image from a selection of a plurality
of digital images.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use as a method and
apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of digital images captured remotely, and will be described
hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of
use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should
in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely
known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate
at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a
useful alternative.

[0005] It is an object of the invention in its preferred form to provide
an apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of digital images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of original digital images, wherein preferably only the
respectively selected one or more original digital images are
automatically transferred from the remote computing device to by a remote
image-edit studio device.

[0007] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of original digital images, the apparatus comprising:

[0008]
a remote computing device having an image management module, the remote
computing device being coupleable to a data network, the image management
module accesses a plurality of original digital images and generates a
respective plurality of preview digital images, each preview digital
images having a smaller data size than the respective original digital
image;

[0009] a remote database server for storing the respective preview
digital image, each of the plurality of preview digital images being
associated with a job record;

[0010] a remote user interface server for
presenting a user interface indicative of the job record and enabling
viewing of the plurality of preview digital images;

[0011] wherein the
user interface enables selection of one or more preview digital images,
and causes the respective one or more original digital images to be
transferred from the remote computing device for production of the result
digital image.

[0012] Preferably, only the respectively selected one or more original
digital images are automatically transferred from the remote computing
device.

[0013] Preferably, the respectively selected one or more original digital
images are transferred across the data network to a remote photo editing
studio device that produces the result digital image. More preferably,
each of the plurality of original digital images are raw digital images
generated by a digital camera.

[0014] Preferably, the respectively selected one or more original digital
images are directly copied from the remote computing device to the remote
photo editing studio device. More preferably, only the respectively
selected one or more original digital images are automatically
transferred from the remote computing device.

[0015] Preferably, the respectively selected one or more original digital
images are first copied to the remote database server and then directly
copied to the studio local store.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method implemented on a computing apparatus for producing a result
digital image from a selection of a plurality of original digital images,
the method including the steps of:

[0017] obtaining and storing the
plurality of original digital images on a remote computing device;

[0018]
associating the original digital images with a job record;

[0019]
generating a preview digital image for each original digital image; each
preview digital images having a smaller data size than the respective
original digital image;

[0020] storing each preview digital image;

[0021] associating each preview digital image with the job record;

[0022] receiving a selection of one or more preview digital images for
the purpose of requesting respectively selected one or more original
digital images; and

[0023] providing each respectively selected one or
more original digital images for storage on a data store accessible by a
remote image-edit studio device.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
user access interface for a processor device, the processor device being
coupleable to database having a job record associated with a plurality of
preview digital images, the preview digital images being associated with
a respective original digital image stored on a remote computing device,
the processor device being adapted to present the plurality of preview
digital images, the interface comprising:

[0025] a control program
adapted to enable selection of one or more preview digital images for
enabling receipt of respectively selected one or more original digital
images; and storing each of the respectively selected one or more
original digital images on a data store accessible by an image-edit
studio.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of digital images, the apparatus comprising:

[0027] a remote
computing device having an image management module; the remote computing
device being coupleable to a data network; wherein the image management
module accesses a plurality of original (or raw) digital images and
generates a respective plurality of preview digital images;

[0028] a
remote database server for storing the respective preview digital image;
the plurality of preview digital images being associated with a job
record;

[0029] a remote user interface server for presenting a user
interface indicative of a job record and enabling viewing of the
plurality of preview digital images;

[0030] wherein the user interface
enables selection of one or more preview digital images, which causes
only the respective one or more original (or raw) digital images to be
transferred from the remote computing device for access by a photo
editing studio.

[0031] Preferably, the one or more original (or raw) digital images are
high resolution digital images.

[0032] Preferably, the remote computing device is wirelessly coupled to
the data network.

[0033] Preferably, a remote server device has the remote database server
and the remote user interface server. Alternatively, the remote computing
device has the remote database server and the remote user interface
server.

[0034] Preferably, the respectively selected one or more original (or raw)
digital images are directly copied to a studio local store.
Alternatively, the respectively selected one or more original (or raw)
digital images are first copied to the remote database server and then
directly copied to the studio local store.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method of producing a result digital image from a selection of a
plurality of digital images, the method including the steps of:

[0037] associating the original or raw
images with a job entity or record;

[0038] generating a preview digital
image for each original (or raw) digital image;

[0039] storing each
preview digital image on a remote database server associated with a job
entity or record;

[0040] selecting one or more preview digital images for
the purpose of requesting respectively selected one or more original (or
raw) digital images; and

[0041] storing each respectively selected one or
more original (or raw) digital images on a data store accessible by an
image-edit studio.

[0042] Preferably, the one or more original (or raw) digital images are
high resolution digital images.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
user access interface for a processor device, the processor device being
coupleable to database having a job record associated with a plurality of
preview digital images; the processor device being adapted present the
plurality of preview digital images; the interface comprising:

[0044] a
control program adapted to enable selection of one or more preview
digital images for requesting respectively selected one or more original
(or raw) digital images; and

[0045] storing each of the respectively
selected one or more original (or raw) digital images on a data store
accessible by an image-edit studio.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
computer program product stored on a computer usable medium, the computer
program product adapted to provide a method as herein described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:

[0048]FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment apparatus for
producing a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of
digital images;

[0049]FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment apparatus for
producing a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of
digital images; and

[0050]FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for an embodiment method of producing a
result digital image from a selection of a plurality of digital images.

[0052] A further example of preparing a digital image from a image from a
selection of a plurality of raw or original digital images includes
digital image collages, multiple exposure compositing and digital image
panorama. The preparation of these images typically require image editing
including, by way of example only, contrast adjustment, brightness
adjustment, colour balance adjustment, selection cutting and pasting,
layering and masking of multiple images of the same scene with different
exposure and flash characteristics, cropping and scaling. It will be
appreciated that image editing can include selectively blending a portion
of each of a plurality of original or raw digital images to prepare a
result image.

[0053] A further example of preparing a digital image from an image from a
selection of a plurality of raw digital images includes high dynamic
range imaging (HDRI or HDR) is a set of methods used in imaging and
photography, to allow a greater dynamic range between the lightest and
darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging methods
or photographic methods. HDR images can represent more accurately the
range of intensity levels found in real scenes, from direct sunlight to
faint starlight, and is often captured by way of a plurality of
differently exposed pictures of the same subject matter.
High-dynamic-range photographs are generally achieved by capturing
multiple standard photographs, often using exposure bracketing, and
masking to exclude unwanted portions of any component image and then
merging them into an HDR image. Digital photographs are often encoded in
a camera's raw image format, because JPEG encoding may not offer
sufficient values to allow fine transitions (and introduces undesirable
effects due to the lossy compression).

[0054] The apparatus and method is used in digital image production that
requires image editing/retouching after a plurality of original (or raw)
images are captured. In particular, the method and apparatus can be used
for producing a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of
digital images captured remotely. By way of example, professional real
estate photography requires remote capture of a large number of images
that must be promptly processed to produce a resultant image for
advertising purposes.

[0055] It will be appreciated that this apparatus and method can provide
advantages, by way of example, including: reducing data transmission for
remotely captured images such that only required original images are
transferred; and time effectiveness by allowing initial evaluation to be
taken prior to availability of original images captured.

[0056] It will be appreciated that a professional real estate photography
typically captures a large number of images that must be promptly
processed to produce a resultant image for advertising purposes.
Processing of a result image, requires the photographers to capture
multiple images using different settings (typically aperture, exposure
and flash settings) of each scene or view frame, such that a photo
editing process can composite and blend the best selected portions of the
plurality of original or raw digital images into a result digital image.

[0057] A professional photographer typically captures each original images
in a format called RAW, which is a large lossless digital image file.
Each RAW digital image file can be in the order of tens of megabytes. By
way of example only, a substantial number of RAW digital images (such as
20 RAW digital images) can be captured for the purpose of producing a
single result digital image. Although a substantial number of RAW digital
images are captured for the purpose of producing a single result digital
image--only a selection of these RAW digital images are typically used or
edited in producing a blended result digital image.

[0058] As a result digital image may only be composed of a selection of
RAW digital images, initially captured for the purpose of producing the
result digital image, only a select portion of the significant amount of
image data captured is actually required for image editing. As image
capture can occur remotely, pre-selection of raw images required for
editing can reduce the amount of data transferred to a photo editing
studio. The method and apparatus can substantially reduce the amount of
data that is transmitted to a photo editing studio.

[0059] By way of example only, many professional photographers work in the
field, being remote from an image editing studio. In such situations a
photographer can typically only access wireless data communication
networks (based on Wi-Fi services or mobile telephony services) which
provide limited bandwidth. For example, in the case of mobile telephone
communications, transmitting large volumes of data can be costly. A
significant reduction in required data transmission to an image editing
studio can enable effective mobile (in-field) data transfer.

[0060] By way of example only, professional photographers can return to a
convenient fixed location, such as their own residence, with photographs
taken and load such photographs onto a PC running software designed to
facilitate the remote aspect of the disclosed embodiments.

[0061]FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 for producing
a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of digital images.

[0062] In this embodiment apparatus 100, a photographer captures original
or raw digital images using a digital camera 110. The original or raw
digital images are communicated to a remote computing device 120. The
remote computing device can include, by way of example, a mobile phone,
tablet, computer or laptop (122, 124). The remote computing device 120
being wired or wirelessly in communication with a data network 130. The
original or raw digital images can be communicated to the remote
computing device by directly connecting the camera (using wired or
wireless communication) or media (media card), and stored in a database
storage 126.

[0063] An image management module on the remote computing device can
enable the creation or selection of a relevant job entity (or record) for
association with each original or raw digital image captured and/or
stored. The job entity may further include details relevant to the
photographic assignment including the type and number of results and
images required. Accordingly, a photographer may access the job entity to
confirm the scope of work required.

[0064] The image management module can enable selective association of
original or raw digital images with the job entity. Having associated one
or more original or raw digital images with a job entity, the image
management module can generate a lower resolution preview version of each
associated original or raw digital image. The respective preview digital
image having a substantially lower file size while retaining sufficient
resolution and quality for viewing and image selection. The image
management software may also save the original or raw digital images to
local storage 126 on the remote computing device such that the camera or
media may be removed or disconnected.

[0066] The image management module can further update a respective job
entry on the remote server. The remote server stores the preview images
and job entity data in a database (or database server) 142. The image
management module may further provide relevant detail about each preview
digital image, including a reference (for example, a name) of each
respective original or raw digital image and the remote computing device
that stores the original or raw digital image and optionally other
information about the digital image. Alternatively, the remote server may
periodically contact (or poll) the remote computing device and image
management module to request if any updates for a job entity (or relevant
preview files) have been made available which would then be transmitted
by (or pulled from) the remote computing device. This makes available a
respective preview digital image for each available original or raw
digital image captured for a particular job entity.

[0067] The remote server provides an interface server 144 (for example,
providing a web based interface or a proprietary software based
interface) for presenting to a studio 150 a studio interface 152 for
enabling access to the status of a job entity that the studio is to
provide (or has provided) imagine editing. The studio interface can
present available or additional information in relation to a job entity,
including indication if a respective low resolution preview digital
images for that job have been made available, or if a requested original
or raw digital image has been delivered.

[0068] A studio image editor can view the interface to determine if new
preview digital images have been made available, and access available
preview images. The interface can provide a means of viewing all
available preview images in order to allow the editor to determine which
original images will be suitable for inclusion in the edited result
image. The interface enables selection of one or more preview digital
images for which the original or raw digital images are required. This
may further optionally enable selection of whether the studio requires
the original or raw digital images to be provided as a RAW image file or
a high resolution JPG image file--in the event that both RAW and JPG
images have been provided by the photographer or are created. Having
selected one or more preview digital images (and respective original or
raw digital images) the interface communicates the studio's requirements
to the remote server which in-turn communicates its requirements to the
remote computing device. Alternatively, the studio interface may directly
communicate with the remote computing device to request the selected
original or raw digital images. The selectively requested original or raw
digital image files are transferred or copied 160 from the remote
computing device data store 126 the studio local data store 154.
Alternatively the requested original or RAW digital image files may be
transferred to the remote server for access by the Image Editing Studio.

[0069] The interface can then indicate when the selected original or raw
digital images have been transferred such that they are available to the
studio. Upon availability of the selected original or raw digital images,
the selected images can then be used to create one or more result images
associated with the job entity. As an option the creation of any result
image can be notified to the interface, for transmission to, or
collection by, the remote server.

[0070]FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 200 for producing
a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of digital images.
In this embodiment apparatus, a studio interface enables selection of one
or more preview digital images for which the original or raw digital
images are required. This may further optionally enable selection of
whether the studio requires the original or raw digital images to be
provided as a RAW image file or a JPG image file--in the event that both
RAW and JPG images have been provided or are created. Having selected one
or more preview digital images (and respective original or raw digital
images) the interface transmits the studio's requirements to the remote
server. Alternatively, the studio interface may directly communicate with
the remote computing device to request the selected original or raw
digital images. In this embodiment, the requested original or raw digital
image files are further transferred or copied 260 from the remote
computing device data store 126 to the remote server database 142 and
then automatically transferred or copied 261 from the remote server
database 142 to the studio local data store 154.

[0071] It will be appreciated that, in an example embodiment, the remote
computing device can also be the remote server.

[0072]FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for an embodiment method 300 of producing
a result digital image from a selection of a plurality of digital images.
The method 300 comprises the steps of:

[0077] STEP 350: selecting one
or more preview digital images for requesting respectively selected one
or more original (or raw) digital images; and

[0078] STEP 360: storing
each respectively selected one or more original (or raw) digital images
on a data store accessible by an image-edit studio.

[0079] Further embodiment methods and apparatus of producing a result
digital image from a selection of a plurality of digital images will be
taught by way of example only.

[0080] In an embodiment, a photographer captures a plurality of original
or raw digital images for a given photo-shoot job entity. The camera or
media (SD card, etc) on which the original or raw digital images are
stored is connected to a mobile remote computing device having an image
management module (for example, a customised application). For example,
the image management module may be controlled via a standalone
application interface or a browser based interface. A relevant job entity
can be selected or created.

[0081] A relevant job entity can be selected from a list of pre-created
job entities. This list may be retrieved from a list of all available job
entities stored on the database server. A relevant job entity can be
created as a new job entity, which can then be created and stored in the
database server. It will be appreciated that the job entity acts as a
`container` for all digital images associated with the job. The job
entity may also include details of the job including type and number of
photographs required, which may be presented by the image management
module. A photographer may use the image management module to review job
requirements prior to taking photographs.

[0082] Upon selection or creation of a relevant job entity, the image
management module enables selection of one or more (or all) digital image
stored on the camera or storage media as relating to the respective job.
The application may copy the original or raw image files for each
selected digital image including any RAW format files, to the remote
computing device. Alternatively, the image management module can enable
one or more (or all) digital images stored on the camera or storage media
to be first copied to the remote computing device and subsequently
selected and associated with a relevant job entity. Having associated one
or more original or raw digital images with a job entity, the image
management module can generate a lower resolution preview digital image
(having a significantly lesser file size) of each of the selected
original or raw digital image. The preview digital image being suitable
for viewing on a computer screen at a size appropriate for selection by
an Image Editor at the Image Editing Studio.

[0083] The image management module may identify if a lower resolution jpg
companion digital image file does not exist for each original or raw
image file, such that a lower resolution preview digital image is created
and available for each original or raw image file. If companion jpg files
exist, they may be copied and suitably resized for viewing and selection.

[0084] The image management module may copy the original or raw digital
image (including RAW format files), along with any created preview
digital images, to a local storage medium coupled to the remote computing
device, such that the camera or media may be removed. It will be
appreciated that local storage of the image files can occur at any time
the camera or media are coupled to the remote computing device.

[0085] The image management module can upload, or otherwise deliver or
provide, a copy of each preview digital image to a remote centralised
server. In addition, image management module can notify or record
features of each preview image associated with a job record (or job
element) maintained by the remote central database, including filenames
and location of the preview and/or original image files, the
identification of the remote computing device that stores the original or
raw image files. Other relevant information can also be stored about each
digital image or job element. Alternatively, the remote central server
can poll the remote computing device (or image management module) and
request any new job elements (or updated details of a job element) and
relevant preview digital image files associated with those job elements
be transmitted to the remote central server database--either pushed by
the remote computing device or pulled down by the remote central server.

[0086] The remote central server includes a web server and web interface
that enables publishing each preview digital image. For each preview
digital image, the web server can also register the associated file name
and location, respective remote computing device, and associated job
record details.

[0087] At a photo-editing studio, a studio interface (for example a
browser interface or a proprietary application interface) can present
each job record that the respective studio is to provide image editing.
The studio interface may present a task queue. The studio interface may
present additional information on each job record. For example, the
studio interface can indicate if preview digital images are available for
viewing, or if subsequently requested high resolution original files have
been delivered. Using the interface, the studio can access a job record
and view the associated preview images. The interface can allow the
studio to select the preview images for which they would like the high
resolution original files. The interface may further allow the studio to
select whether high resolution digital images are required in a RAW file
format or a JPG file format--in the event that the original or raw images
were provided by the photographer in both a RAW and JPG file format on
the remote device. Having selected one or more images, the studio uses
the interface to notify the central database server of their requirements
for which high resolution original or raw digital images are required,
which can then be communicated to the remote computing device.
Alternatively, studio interface may directly request the high resolution
digital image files from the remote computing device directly. The remote
computing device can transmit (or push) the requested original or raw
digital image files to a studio database storage. Alternatively, the
studio interface may directly access the remote computing device and
directly download the files required. Alternatively, the studio interface
may communicate its request for high resolution original files to the
central database server which in turn either directly retrieves the high
resolution original files from the remote device or requests the remote
device to transmit the requested original files.

[0088] A preferred workflow would involves a studio request for selected
original or raw image files being made through the studio interface to
the central database server. The central database server would then
communicate the requirement to the remote computing device or image
management module, which would then transfer the requested image files to
a studio database store. Transfer can typically be achieved
electronically using a file transfer protocol (FTP), Virtual Private
Network facilitated file copy or the like. Requested files can be
automatically placed into folders that are named and/or organized
according to job element, and process status (original images or result
images).

[0089] Upon selected high resolution original digital image files being
made available to the studio, the studio can use the original files to
create one or more final result digital image relating to the job record.

[0090] Upon generation or creation of each result digital image, the
studio interface can be updated to managing the final edited images.
Alternatively, predetermined folders may be monitored by the studio
interface or the remote central database server. For example, by using a
predetermined file folder for each job element, or a predetermined naming
convention for the edited images (that includes the job number or
identifier in the name) the studio can provide the edited images in a
software monitored folder. The monitoring can include periodic
polling/scanning of folder contents, or through a studio interface (or
software interface) that enables identification of edited images being
made available for a job entity. A studio database storage, or a central
server database, can then upload or retrieve the finished edited images
to the central server database. Typically, automated uploading of the
edited images can trigger a status change on the job, resulting in the
job entity or result image to have an associated status set to a quality
control review, client proofing or editing complete status. Upon
completion of a job entity, notification may be automatically forwarded
to the photographer and/or the client of the photographer for review and
approval. Notification may include transmitting of a low resolution
preview image or a high resolution result image (which initially could be
optionally watermarked).

[0091] The remote computing device (under control of the image management
module or other software module) can enable delivery or retrieval of each
high resolution original digital image file requested. The remote
computing device can receive requests for high resolution original file
delivery by various methods including polling and push notification. The
remote computing device can typically deliver any requested files
automatically. Files would typically be delivered using a file transfer
protocol (FTP). However, it would be appreciated that other file transfer
methods could be used, which by way of example can include: a direct
virtual private network (VPN) could be established to enable a direct
file copy; and a http file transfer. Upon delivery of any requested image
file, the remote computing device may notify the central database server
that the file has been delivered.

[0092] The remote computing device can also poll the web server or await a
push notification for uploading or delivery of selected original or raw
digital image files to a specified FTP studio location. Upon receiving
such a request the remote computing device can FTP the specified original
or raw digital image files to a remote database store location (as
specified in the FTP request). At the completion of an FTP transfer the
remote computing device can notify the web server that the file has been
transferred. Optionally the remote computing device can transfer the
remoter database server or a remote studio database store. The selected
original or raw digital image files are finally saved in a remote studio
database store that is accessible by the image edit studio.

[0093] It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments disclose
methods and apparatus for producing a result digital image from a
selection of a plurality of digital images.

[0094] Interpretation

[0095] It would be appreciated that, some of the embodiments are described
herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be
implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of
carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary
instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms
a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore,
an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a
means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the
purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0096] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a
standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other
processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may
operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client
network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or
distributed network environment.

[0097] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in
the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of
instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or
more processors.

[0098] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the
following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing",
"computing", "calculating", "determining" or the like, can refer to the
action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar
electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data
represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data
similarly represented as physical quantities.

[0099] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device
or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from
registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other
electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A
"computer" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include
one or more processors.

[0100] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment,
performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also
called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when
executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the
methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of
instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken
is included.

[0101] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the
description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the
like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive
or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not
limited to".

[0102] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "coupled", when used
in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct
connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected", along with their
derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are
not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the
expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to
devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to
an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output
of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or
means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct
physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in
direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with
each other.

[0103] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal
adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object,
merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being
referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described
must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or
in any other manner.

[0104] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in
an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one
or more embodiments.

[0105] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of
exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention
are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or
description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and
aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive
aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features
than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims
reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single
foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed
Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment
of this invention.

[0106] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some
but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of
features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the
invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by
those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the
claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0107] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are
set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention
may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in
detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific
examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0108] It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can
consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an
embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The
invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in
the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

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